Hayek Fund for Future Scholars

Increase your chances of being accepted and funded in a graduate program through the Hayek Fund for Future Scholars (HFFS). HFFS funding is dedicated to offsetting application costs so that you can afford to increase the number of applications you submit.

Who is eligible?

Undergraduates and recent graduates applying for full-time doctorate program to start in the 2013-14 academic year; demonstrated interest in individual and economic freedom, and strong academic potential are also essential. (See the frequently asked questions for a list of eligible degree programs).

Please note: At this time only individuals applying for PhD programs in the U.S. will be eligible for application fee reimbursement.

How it works:

1. Complete the Hayek Fund for Future Scholars application, including an indication of the schools that you intend to apply to, prior to submitting applications for admission. 
2. You will be notified of your application status within 3 weeks (including whether or not you have been chosen for an award, and the award amount).
3. Complete and submit your graduate school applications, including payment.
4. Submit proof of application and receipts for application fees to the HFFS coordinator to receive reimbursement.

More on: http://www.theihs.org/hayek-fund-future-scholars

Top 6 Study Abroad Destinations

Studying abroad gives students a chance to spread their wings and experience life outside their country. In an increasing globalized world, having international experience on your resume is extremely important if you are looking to impress. Where you would like to study largely depends on your subject.  If you are looking to study a language, then it makes sense to study in its country of origin. Some universities have particularly prestigious courses, so it is wise to look at them if you are aiming high. 

Many companies exist to assist you in your choice of subject and country of study, whereas some universities have affiliations with many other universities across the world and offer the chance to study at one or a number of these institutions. Below are some of the top study abroad destinations:

1. Italy

Italy comes top in student’s searches for international study.  This renowned country captures all of the romance and cultural ideals of studying abroad.  But romance aside, there are many reasons to study in Italy.  Italy is eighth in world ranking of most industrial countries and is a hub of international business and trade.  It is also home to possibly the world’s first university, Università di Bologna (UNIBO), plus 90 other higher education institutions. If you are looking to study arts or languages, Panrimo Study Abroad Program offers a highly regarded scheme at Santa Reparta International School of Art in Florence, where they have on the ground staff to help with all of your needs and organize sightseeing trips.

2. United Kingdom

With the UK boasting four out of the top ten highest-ranking universities in the world (with the other six being in the USA), it is no surprise that it is a popular choice for studying abroad.  Studying in the UK has the undoubted language benefit for those who do not speak a foreign language, and with over 300 universities to choose from, there is no shortage of choice.  There are a number of ways to apply to a UK university: you can contact a particular university directly, as the majority have foreign student schemes, or you can go via an agency that specializes in study abroad programs.  The former is best if you know specifically where you would like to study, whereas the latter will be able to help you choose the right course and university for you, and possibly help with the practicalities such as visas.

3. Spain

If studying Spanish or Hispanic Studies is your ambition, then spending a semester or year in Spain will be of huge benefit to you.  This beautiful and diverse country has a rich cultural heritage and its people are known for their welcoming nature.  Many of the universities have their own foreign student programs, but if you don’t know where to start in finding the scheme for you, the API Study Abroad Program at the University of Salamanca is a well-respected one.  This program offers courses that are fully integrated with the Spanish students or in separate international classes.  They also offer the choice of accommodation in halls of residence or in the home of local families.  This program also has its own support staff on the campus and provides trips for students to get a taste of the entire country.

4. Australia

Famous for its wonderful beaches, relaxed lifestyle and diverse culture, Australia is a very appealing destination for those wanting to study abroad.  The University of Queensland offers a comprehensive program for foreign students, which can be arranged through GlobaLinks.  The University of Queensland is ranked in the top 50 world universities and offers courses across all subject areas. It is located in the St Lucia district of Brisbane, a vibrant, metropolitan city close to Moreton Bay beach.

5. China

With all of the business and industrial world looking to China for their innovations and investments, it is the ideal country to study.  The country itself is vast and is a land of both economic prosperity and hardship.  China is welcoming of international students and many of the universities offer programs for American students.  USAC has an affiliation with Shanghai University, which offers business studies and Mandarin in the world’s largest city.

6. France

The thought of studying in France may stir up images of romance, art and picturesque scenery but it is also a center of academia.  If you are fluent in French already, then there are 85 universities across France, with 5 being in Paris, that have international student programs.  For those wanting to experience France but do not have language skills, there is another option.  The American University of Paris teaches across 33 minor and 16 major subjects and welcomes students from all across the world, whilst still teaching in English.  It teaches to the American system and incorporates American style co-curricular activities, allowing a seamless transition from your home university to Paris.

Alice Norum works as a freelance writer for topessayservices.com, quality essay writing service reviews website.

Global Studies – A European Perspective

Global Studies – A European Perspective is an interdisciplinary, research-based Master’s course offered by a Consortium of five European universities, that are namely: University of Leipzig (Germany), London School of Economics and Political Science (UK), University of Roskilde (Denmark), University of Vienna (Austria) and University of Wroclaw (Poland) and seven Non-European universities: Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), Dalhousie University (Canada), Fudan University (China), Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), Macquarie University (Australia), University of California at Santa Barbara (USA), University of Stellenbosch (South Africa).

The Master’s course combines approaches from Global History and International Studies. Cultural Studies, Area Studies, Social Sciences and other disciplines contribute to a wide ranging academic programme.

The course is modularised and integrated: it can be studied for one year at one of the European partner institutions, and for the second year at a different European university. Additionally there is the opportunity to spend one semester at one of our Non-European partner universities.

Application requirements

The Master’s Course ‘Global Studies’ aims at excellent students with a first degree in social sciences and humanities with an interest in issues of globalisation. The minimum application requirements are a BA degree or a recognised equivalent from an accredited institution, sufficient undergraduate training to do graduate work in the chosen field, excellent written and oral command of English.

Application files 

A filled in application form, two academic references, proof of an excellent BA in the social sciences or humanities, a statement of purpose, curriculum vita and language certificates.

Grants

The European Master ‘Global Studies – A European Perspective” is part of the EU’s co-operation and mobility programme in the field of higher education ERASMUS MUNDUS. Therefore the EU offers each year scholarships for highly qualified applicants of this Master’s course. These grants include besides the coverage for the complete tuition fees also a monthly living allowance.

Application deadline

The application deadline is December 1st of each year for applicants who want to qualify for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship and for the next cycle of the course, which starts in fall of the following year. Meeting the application deadline will be established by the date of arrival of the paper application.

This Master’s Course is part of the EU programme for academic exchange ERASMUS MUNDUS.It is co-ordinated by the University of Leipzig.

Read more and apply:  http://www.uni-leipzig.de/~gesi/joint-projects/emgs/application/ 

QS World Grad School Tour 2012

World’s Top Grad Schools coming to North America in September with $1.2 million in exclusive scholarships.

Thinking of grad school? Not sure where or when to start? The QS World Grad School Tourwill be bringing leading grad schools from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and Asia to meet high potential masters and PhD candidates like you! Join us in New York (9/15), DC (9/17), Vancouver (9/19), Montreal (9/22) and Toronto (9/24).

If you are interested in discussing your career and study options face to face with admissions directors from Berkeley, UCLA, Columbia, NYU, Georgetown, George Washington, Melbourne, London Business School, Kings College plus many more then register now to receive details on how to attend.

Attendance is free, you can sit in on admissions seminars, request private 1-2-1 meetings with admissions staff, meet alumni and apply for some of the $1.2 million of scholarships exclusively available to attendees.

This tour only visits North America once a year so this is the time to start planning and preparing to reach for the sky!

Register now for free here: 

NY:  http://graduateschool.topuniversities.com/world-grad-school-tour/newyork/details?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wgst_f12_ny

DC: http://graduateschool.topuniversities.com/world-grad-school-tour/washingtondc/details?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wgst_f12_dc

Vancouver: http://graduateschool.topuniversities.com/world-grad-school-tour/vancouver/details?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wgst_f12_vancouver

Montreal: http://graduateschool.topuniversities.com/world-grad-school-tour/montreal/details?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wgst_f12_montreal

Toronto: http://graduateschool.topuniversities.com/world-grad-school-tour/toronto/details?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=wgst_f12_toronto

Society for the Humanities Fellowships 2013-2014

The Society for the Humanities invites scholars to reflect upon the theme of “Occupation: From Space and Time to Practice and Politics“ in order to further understanding of historical and contemporary practices of occupation within physical, professional, and virtual territories and practices. What does it mean “to be occupied” or “to be in the time of occupation”? The Society wishes to open the question of how occupation has shaped the humanities in relation to patterns of thought and artistic representation. Equally important is how historical events of occupation, as well as the establishment of intellectual professions and institutions, have relied on or shaped the humanities. The Society encourages applicants to investigate the cultural, social, artistic, philosophical, and political implications of the theme.

Fellows will work across disciplines to reflect on what occupation means philosophically, psychoanalytically, and theoretically.

Fellows might consider the implications of virtual, viral, ecological, and posthuman habitations. Scholars are invited to give equal consideration to how “occupation” might be understood across historical periods and global regions? How have the humanities, from philosophy and law to literature and performance, figured the difference between military occupation and territorial acquisition, between invasion and annexation? Regarding the differences between political movements and geopolitical conflict from East to West and South to North, to what extent do occupations of absolutism, fascism, and terrorism differ from democratic annexation, political demonstration, or anarchical demonstration? Occupation of mind and body, of identity and territory, may take another turn when culture is digital, artificial, and robotic. We also encourage questions inherent to philosophy, mysticism, witchcraft, aesthetics, and hysteria.

What are the historical instances of martial occupation and how have they shaped systems of governance, education, representation, law, and economics? What are the relations of ethnic and national occupations to structural systems of land, class, religious, gender, mental enclosure, sovereignty, and borders? Fellows might also consider the deep impact of occupation on contemporary events and movements, from virtual economies and emotions to corporate seizures and ecological disasters.

Reflection is also encouraged on how notions of enclosure have informed the conceptual and institutional framework of occupations in the humanities and arts, from poet and player to professor and philosopher? How are the academic traditions of judgment, ethics, research, and pedagogy inscribed in historical structures of occupation? How might occupation be understood in relation to the space and time of labor and work? Such questions may lead to consideration of the occupation of the humanities itself by for-profit enterprises, on the one, and by the rise of alternative academic careers on the other? What does it mean today to occupy the humanities?

The David R. Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future co-sponsors one fellowship to support scholarly work addressing occupation as it relates to energy, the environment or economic development.

Qualifications:
Fellows should be working on topics related to the year's theme. Their approach to the humanities should be broad enough to appeal to students and scholars in several humanistic disciplines.
Applicants must have received the Ph.D. degree before January 1, 2012. The Society for the Humanities will not consider applications from scholars who received the Ph.D. after this date. Applicants must also have one or more years of teaching experience, which may include teaching as a graduate student.

Application Procedures
The following application materials must be postmarked on or before October 1, 2012. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
1. A curriculum vitae and a copy of one scholarly paper no more than 35 pages in length. Applicants who wish to have their materials returned should enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
2. A one-page abstract in addition to a detailed statement of the research project the applicant would like to pursue during the term of the fellowship (1,000-3,000 words). Applicants are also encouraged to submit a working bibliography for their projects.
3. A brief (two-page) proposal for a seminar related to the applicant's research. Seminars meet two hours per week for one semester (fourteen weeks) and enrollment is limited to fifteen graduate students and qualified undergraduate students.
4. Two letters of recommendation from senior colleagues to whom candidates should send their research proposal and teaching proposal.
Letters of recommendation should include an evaluation of the candidate's proposed research and teaching statements. Please ask referees to send their letters directly to the Society. Letters must be postmarked on or before October 1, 2012.

Send 3 copies of the full application and letters of recommendation to:
Program Administrator
Society for the Humanities
A.D. White House
27 East Avenue
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-1101
For further information:
Phone: 607-255-9274

Awards will be announced by the end of December 2012.
Note: Extensions for applications will not be granted.
The Society will consider only fully completed applications. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that ALL documentation is complete, and that referees submit their letters of recommendation to the Society before the closing date.

The Society for the Humanities was established at Cornell University in 1966 to support research and teaching in the humanities. It is intended to be at once a research institute, a stimulus to educational innovation, and a continuing society of scholars. The Society and its Fellows have fostered path-breaking interdisciplinary dialogue and theoretical reflection on the humanities at large.

Fellows include scholars from other universities and members of the Cornell faculty released from regular duties. The fellowships are held for one academic year. Each Society Fellow will receive $45,000.

Applicants living outside North America are eligible for an additional $2,000 to assist with travel costs. Fellows spend their time in research and writing, participate in the weekly Fellows Seminar, and offer one seminar related to their research. The seminars are generally informal, related to the Fellow's research, and open to graduate students, suitably qualified undergraduates, and faculty members. Fellows are encouraged to explore topics they would not normally teach and, in general, to experiment freely with both the content and the method of their courses.

Website: www.arts.cornell.edu/sochum/
Email: humctr-mailbox@cornell.edu

Study Abroad Scholarship Tips

Studying abroad has become the norm among college undergraduates. Being immersed in another culture gives you the opportunity to turn your traditional education on its side. Many students miss out on the opportunity to go, because they think it’s too expensive. It’s definitely not a cheap endeavor, but studying abroad is not as out of reach as many think. Understanding the types of scholarships available, knowing where to look, and making yourself stand out can all make studying abroad possible.

Types of Scholarships

Merit-Based: These scholarships are awarded based on abilities such as academic, athletic, and artistic. Sometimes those in charge of the money will take extracurricular activities and community service into account as well.

Student-Specific: Though minority scholarships are the most common of this kind, student-specific scholarships all deal with factors like gender, race, religion, family, and medical history.

Destination-Specific: As the title implies, these scholarships are offered by the country where the student plans to study.  Government supported websites of these countries are an excellent resource for listings and insight on what they may be looking to give away.

Program-Specific: Individual programs or schools offer these to students and they based on both personal and academic performance. The qualifications will vary based on programs and locations.

Subject-Specific: These scholarships have to do with the student’s field(s) of study or majors. Students may be required to enroll in certain courses or perform research/duties while abroad to use the money.

Where to Look

The best place to start your scholarship hunt is college or university through which you are planning to study abroad. Many offer their own scholarships and resources. For outside funding, check out sites of public organizations that donate funding. Good opportunities may also be found via sites and blogs that write about various scholarships and grants.

Tips For Applying 

• Use your college or university and all of the resources they provide for searching and applying for scholarships.
• Read the guidelines of each scholarship carefully to make sure you qualify.
• Submit all of the materials requested on each scholarship application.
• Treat any essay requirement like a school assignment.  Have a trusted professor or mentor proofread and offer suggestions on revisions. 
• Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Every dollar is one less that you’ll have to pay.

About the Author. Dana Viktor is the senior researcher and writer for duedatecalculator.org. Her most recent accomplishments include graduating from Ohio State University with a degree in communications and sociology. Her current focus for the site involves the chinesepregnancy calendar.

Benefits of Study Abroad for ESL EFL Teachers

A guest post by Sarah Fudin, who currently works in community relations for the University of Southern California's Master of Arts in Teaching program, which provides aspiring teachers the opportunity to earn a Masters Degree in Teaching credential online. Outside of work Sarah enjoys running, reading and Pinkberry frozen yogurt.

As an ESL teacher, you will work every day with students struggling to learn a new language, many of whom may also be struggling to adapt to the customs of a new country. As their instructor, you will have an intimate knowledge of the challenges and rewards of that learning process as it unfolds in your classroom, but students also lead full, vibrant lives outside the classroom. As they absorb the English language, they will also acclimate to the cultural life of their new home country. These are struggles and joys that teachers can certainly relate to, but not all teachers have experienced themselves.

Share Your Students’ Challenges
Studying abroad will allow you to experience firsthand what living in a foreign country and immersing yourself in a foreign language feels like. This experience will equip you with a deeper understanding of the difficulties, surprises, joy and potential alienation your students may go through. And the more deeply you can relate to your students, the more aptly you will be able to teach them.

Get to Know Your Students’ Culture
Studying abroad also gives you a chance to get to know the culture of your students. For instance, if you teach ESL in the United States, you will probably have students from Latin America. Studying abroad in Latin America will give you a deeper understanding of those students’ cultures. You can then use this common ground to help build rapport with your students in the classroom. For instance, you might teach them the English names for items you know to have particular importance in their culture. By teaching them words that they are more likely to use and retain, you can make your lessons more relevant to their lives.

Understanding your students’ cultures can also help you in the classroom in other ways. For instance, it is useful to know when a student’s apparent rudeness is actually rooted in a different understanding of etiquette from your own. By addressing such differences respectfully and directly, you can save both yourself and your students from misunderstandings. Such knowledge can be difficult to come by in your own country, but you will quickly discover many such fascinating and useful facts while studying abroad.
 

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While there are many practical and pedagogical reasons for an ESL / EFL teacher to study abroad, perhaps the best reason is the pure joy of discovery. Getting to know another culture and another language can be a thrilling and even life-changing experience. Become one of the few Americans to visit Cuba, soak up the surreal architecture in Barcelona or experience Carnival in Brazil. After all, the best teachers are driven not only by a passion for learning, but a passion for life.

Time Management Tips for Study Abroad Students

Studying abroad is certainly one of the best life experiences that lucky students get to experience. It is a great opportunity to see new places, meet new people and live in a foreign country.  However, time spent studying abroad is not all fun and games. There is an academic component during study abroad that cannot be discarded or forgotten when you travel. It is important to manage your time well and in ways that allow you to get your work done, learn as much as possible, and have the study abroad experience you desire. 

Studying abroad is not the same as a vacation. You still have homework, classes and grades to consider. Due to these factors, you will need to continue making school a top priority during your time abroad. For starters, keep a journal with you during your travels. Often, you will see some historical spot or other that relates to school, and you never know when your idea for a paper will occur. Perhaps your study abroad program features offers some lectures that don’t require you to be in a classroom, like the ones on found this site for online college courses, or includes some integrated classes that have an exploratory aspect. If so, you may read a Dickens novel and then walk the streets of London he discusses, or read a play and then see it performed before your very eyes. These types of supplements to the traditional classroom setting not only solidify your learning and help you remember the material for life, but they are also a great way to get out and explore while receiving your education. 

Some programs may be even more traditional, where students go to school all day during the day, and then have the evenings and weekends as free days. If this is the case, you will certainly need to set aside regular study hours for yourself. A useful strategy for getting your work done is to find a quiet place at your dorm, host family’s home, or public library, and spend a full hour working in silence every day. Having a specific block of time lined up, say, the hour before you go to bed, or lunch time, will make sure you get your work completed. Then, once you have made steady progress on your projects, you can reward yourself with going out and having fun in the new culture that surrounds you. 

If you already have a poor academic record, you may not be eligible for studying abroad. Most study abroad programs require an admissions application, grade check, and essay for entrance. They are often very competitive, but sometimes students with a mediocre record may still get to study abroad. If you have been accepted to a program, but already know that you do not have the best study habits, then try to brush up before you go abroad. Look into study helpers like planners and organizers, and get familiar with using them. Keeping a calendar in your dorm or house will also help you remember deadlines. 

If you let studying become your last priority, you will not be able to enjoy your study abroad experience. Procrastination can be really tempting, even when you are at home. Putting off your work until later becomes even more of a possibility when you are surrounded by fun and exciting adventures in your new country. There are many opportunities to get waylaid and distracted from your work, which can cause even the most diligent students to get off track academically when studying abroad. 

The most enjoyable study abroad trips are a balance between work and play, study and exploration. If your program is more flexible, you will have to set your own rules. Even though it can be more difficult to focus on school when there are so many new things to do, see, and try, you will definitely enjoy your trip much more if you make school the priority it needs to be. Once your homework is taken care of, your leisure time will be stress-free and rewarding. 

 

About the Author. Lindsey Wright is fascinated with the potential of emerging educational technologies, particularly the online school, to transform the landscape of learning. She writes about web-based learning, electronic and mobile learning, and the possible future of education.

3 Ways to Get a Study Abroad Job Without a Graduate Degree

For many students, there is little more exciting than a chance to study abroad. In fact, study abroad trips are often so influential that students are inspired after their stay to find a way back into the study abroad system. This typically means that they go back to school for a master’s degree and then land a job working with a study abroad agency.

This route doesn’t appeal to all students, however, and some are discouraged by the thought of more school just for a shot at working abroad. 

If you want to work in the study abroad industry but aren’t ready to or interested in getting another degree, there are ways to do it, but it’s going to take work, and probably a few trips overseas on your own dime. Here are a few ways to work in study abroad that don’t involve a master’s degree:

1. Field Rep

A very common way to work in study abroad without pursuing a master’s degree is to work as a field representative for a study abroad company. Essentially, field reps for study abroad agencies make visits to campuses or take calls and answer every question an interested student or campus may have about a particular program. This can be a great opportunity for those who don’t want a master’s because it gives you the chance to both learn everything there is to know about study abroad programs and — more importantly — network with important study abroad employees. With enough gusto, you can network your way to a coveted study abroad office position. 

2. Study Abroad Assistant

Though less glamorous and duller than the field rep position, working as an office assistant for a university’s study abroad program provides similar opportunities. You will learn a great deal about study abroad programs in general and will connect with some potentially helpful people. What’s more, many of these positions often offer some study abroad experience.

3. Temp Work

Temporary positions are fewer and farther between than the two preceding options, but can be more rewarding with a shorter time investment if you are willing to take the risk. Many study abroad programs need temporary coordinators or administrators to handle the large influx of students during peak enrollment periods. If you can make a great impression during your temporary employment, the office might consider putting you on full time. You really have to go above and beyond, though, and work incessantly to impress them without seeming sycophantic.

A last word…

Before you jump into applying for any of these positions, it is almost invariably beneficial for you to get some real world experience abroad if you don’t have any already. One of the most common reasons applicants (without a master’s) are turned away is that they lack the necessary cultural experience. So learn a language; get a job overseas; immerse yourself in a culture — be relevant.

It won’t be easy, but getting a study abroad job isn’t impossible if you are willing to invest some time and effort, and it could be the best thing that ever happened to you.

Byline:

This is a guest post from Jacelyn Thomas. Jacelyn writes about identity theft protection for IdentityTheft.net. She can be reached at: jacelyn.thomas @ gmail.com.

4 Tips to Surviving Your Study Abroad Homestay

Your application has finally been accepted, and your bags are packed. As relieved as you probably feel to be on your way to your study abroad destination, it is also important to prepare yourself for the culture shock that may come next. Navigating a new city and a foreign language is as exhausting as it is exciting, especially if you have selected to stay with a native host family. But if you find yourself getting nervous about how it will be to live in someone else’s home, remember that your host family is probably feeling the same way about your arrival! If you will be staying with a host family, here are some of the most important things to remember to make your experience a great one.

1. Pretend That It’s Your House, but Remember That It’s Not

The best way to ease the transition from your dorm room to the available space in the home of an unknown, foreign family is to pretend that you already live there. They will (hopefully) be trying their best to help you feel included and comfortable in their home. Rather than acting shy or making things awkward, go ahead and move about the house as if you lived there, too. Don’t be afraid to sit and watch TV in the living room or make your favorite breakfast in the kitchen. Never disregard house rules or fail to be polite, but go ahead and get comfortable. The sooner you do so, the sooner everyone else will feel comfortable, as well.

2. Provide Input About Your Likes and Dislikes

I have heard too many study abroad students over the years complaining about things like a particular dish that their host mom cooks or the way that the maid throws the dry cleaning into the laundry with everything else. These are things that are easily fixed by being brave and respectful enough to speak up. Let your host mom know that you don’t care for that particular dish, but love the side that she makes along with it, if she wouldn’t mind making more of that for you when she cooks that meal. Simply be polite and let people know if something is bothering you. It is rarely a big deal, and it saves you from feeling uncomfortable about small things.

3. Respect House Rules

This is a huge one. No matter what, always remember that you are a guest in someone else’s home. Even if some rules seem strange or unnecessary to you, you must respect them, especially because they may have to do with someone else’s cultural or religious beliefs. If there are any house rules that you truly have a problem with, talk to reps from your study abroad program, and they should be able to advise you on the cultural factors involved and possibly even speak with your host family for you.

4. Practice the Language

You can only get so far learning a language in a classroom. To truly begin to understand it, you have to learn to speak with native speakers. This is one of the biggest reasons to do a home stay. As tempting as it is to speak to your host family in English, resist the urge. Take advantage of the opportunity to speak with them on a daily basis, especially on such casual terms.

This is a guest post by Kimberly Wilson. Kimberly is from accredited online colleges, she writes on topics including career, education, student life, college life, home improvement, time management etc.

Please quote and link to Scholarships, Grants and Events Abroad if you are republishing this article!

How to Pack for Studying Abroad

You’ve done the research, put in the time, taken the tests, secured the scholarships, gotten your passport and you’re on your way out the door and across the pond to a foreign country to study abroad. It’s romantic and daring and you’re almost completely ready to go except for one small detail… one minor issue that you haven’t even begun to tackle: packing. How on earth do you pack for a trip that is months long without taking your entire closet? Have no fear; there are a few different tips to help you pack sensibly for your upcoming adventure, and it doesn’t include every pair of shoes you own. 

1. Bring an extra bag

It’s just silly to think that you won’t be buying things to bring back home with you. So, prepare ahead of time by bringing an extra bag with you so that you aren’t trying to cram all those trinkets you just had to have into the same bag you have to pack full of your clothes and shoes. Otherwise you’re going to have to make some important decisions about what to take home with you and what you can live without…

2. Take enough clothing for a week

Obviously you need the essentials: a couple pairs of jeans, shorts, shirts, socks, undies and jackets. You’ll need clothes for different types of weather, but that suede jacket or sequined dress can probably stay at home. Bring good walking shoes so that you can tour the city and a nice outfit for special occasions, but don’t go overboard and bring three pairs of nice shoes, three pairs of sandals, and three pairs of walking shoes… you’re not putting on a fashion show, you’re simply visiting another country.

3. Medications

Don’t leave home without these!! If there are any medications you regularly take make sure you bring them with you and that you have enough to last you the duration of your trip. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you need your medicine and can’t find it anywhere in the country.

4. Choose your extras wisely

There’s no point in bringing 15 different books with you unless you want to get in an upper body workout. By packing tons of books, movies, etc. you’re just adding a lot of unnecessary weight to your luggage and you probably won’t end up reading half of it – after all, you’re going to a foreign country to learn not to hole up in your room and read books. And don’t forget a camera and a journal of sorts to write down things you’ll want to remember!

5. Toiletries

While you should probably bring some toiletries with you, you don’t need to bring a supply that will last you the duration of your trip (unless, of course, you’re taking a very short trip). More than likely the country you’re going to temporarily live in will have some sort of toiletries you can purchase there and if they don’t you may want to rethink where you’re going… (kidding!)

In short, just make sure you have what you need to survive, but don’t pack your entire life away. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times – less is more. And if you find you need more clothes or you forgot something, shopping is a great way to tour a new city!

Author Bio:

Kate Croston is a freelance writer, holds a bachelors degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. She writes guest posts for different sites and loves contributing cheap internet service related topics. Questions or comments can be sent to: katecroston.croston09 @ gmail.com.

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Studying Abroad? How to Fit in With the Locals

Studying abroad brings many benefits. It's a good way to experience the wider world and to become a well rounded person who can get along with anyone. But the first time you head off to a foreign study centre or university you might find it a bit challenging. The best way to get a lot from the experience is to integrate yourself fully into the culture. Here are some tips for doing just that.

Learn the language

With hundreds of languages worldwide one of the options is studying abroad is a country where your native tongue is not the primary mode of communication. This is not for everyone and you have to decide whether your language skills are adequate for taking instruction in a different language or whether you will follow a course in your native language and spend the rest of the time getting to know the local language. 

One option, especially if you already know some of the language, is to do an immersion language course before you start your proper program of study. This will get you up to speed with the new language and, with the help of a good dictionary, you will be able to understand what people are saying and communicate adequately.

Even if you already speak the language you might find that what you learn in books does not match up with what you hear on the street. Check out a book or an online course which gives you access to the latest slang so that you can sound like a native speaker from the beginning. And once you have improved your language skills you will be ready for phase 2 of the plan.

Learn the customs

Knowing local etiquette is crucial to your success as an international student. You need to know what behavior and forms of address are appropriate for particular circumstances. Find out from books, websites and your own observations how to greet people (or say goodbye), how to enter and leave people's homes, how to behave at the dinner table and more. These can vary widely around the world and you'll make a good impression if you have taken the time to find out what to do. And you can always ask -- most people are willing to help those who are new to the country.

Shadow the locals

One of the mistakes that some foreign students meet is to hang out only with their friends who already speak the same language. This might be comfortable but you won't get the most out of your study abroad experience. Instead make friends with local students. See where they hang out and go to the same places to broaden your social circle and your cultural knowledge.

Accommodation

While you could stay in the provided student accommodation, depending on your location it could be a good idea to find an apartment somewhere that is more integrated into the local community. Even better, pick a roommate who doesn't speak the same language as you do. That means that your new language will become the common one and you will quickly get to grips with it. This will also help you to integrate more with the local community and really get a lot out of studying abroad.

Get to know the culture

Once you've beefed up your language skills and have made a few friends then it's time to get to know the local culture and check out the attractions. But you'll be able to do this with a difference. Instead of following the well trodden tourist trails, you can get your new friends to give you an insider's view of what is really worth seeing in the vicinity and around the region. When you get back home you'll be able to amaze your friends and family with your specialized knowledge of a place they may only have seen in the guidebooks.

Once you follow these tips you will really get the most out of studying abroad. Most people find that it gives them a greater appreciation of world cultures, exposure to people and situations that they would otherwise have missed and new language skills. All of these come in handy once you have finished your course and move into the working world.

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Dee Mason writes on behalf of credit cards expert money.co.uk, offering impartial advice on personal finances for students and working professionals alike.

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5 Ways to Enjoy Your Study Abroad Experience Even If You're Homesick

For many of us, going abroad is a wonderful experience. In fact, the majority of study abroad students have a wonderful time living abroad, meeting new people, and studying in new academic settings. However, the majority of study abroad students also deal with varying degrees of homesickness.

The key to overcoming homesickness is to accept it as a part of living abroad and then to figure out ways to both treat it and also compartmentalize it. By this I mean that homesick students should learn to understand what homesickness truly is, which helps them better appreciate their own 'normal' life situation, and then they should use their homesickness as inspiration to make the most of their time abroad. Here are five ways homesick students can overcome homesickness in order to better enjoy their experience abroad.

Establish a Routine of Contact with Your Home

The most important way to overcome your homesickness is to discipline yourself when it comes to contacting your family and friends at home. If you call them every time you get homesick, then you're going to have an expensive habit and you'll also just exacerbate the problem. Homesickness is a result of being away from your comfort zone, so if you continue calling home, you'll never learn to be on your own. Regularly scheduled calls home can help you live week to week. If you can make it to the next phone call, you'll be okay.

Make a List of Goals Abroad

Homesickness also arises when students don't feel as though they have a purpose in being abroad, or they have lost focus as to why they went abroad in the first place. If you make a list of goals to accomplish while you're abroad, you'll have something to work towards, which will help keep your mind off of the reasons why you feel homesick.

Keep a Journal

You don't always want to repress you homesickness, however, so if you keep a journal, you can create a safe place to reflect upon your homesickness. Writing about your homesickness and your experience as a student abroad is important because it gives you an opportunity to grow as a person: you can examine your values, how you act on your own, what you miss about your comfort zone, and so on. This helps you prioritize what is most important to you later in life.

Socialize Regularly

Whatever you do, don't let yourself wallow in bed. Part of going abroad is socializing with other people, especially other people of different cultures. Make new friends. Get to know your host country's population. This will get you out and about, it will expose you to new things, and it will keep you from being too sad.

Earn Good Grades

Finally, throw yourself into your studies. Yes, you're abroad to meet people, have fun, and see new things, but you're also abroad to continue your education. Your grades are really important, so you should take advantage of this new academic environment to learn what it's like to be a true student in a new and foreign academic situation. If you regularly keep up with your students, then you'll have less of a chance of feeling homesick and sorry for yourself.

By-line:

This guest contribution was submitted by Lenore Holditch, who specializes in writing about top online colleges. Questions and comments can be sent to: holditch.lenore @ gmail.com. 

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How to Survive for a Semester in a Foreign Country

Studying abroad can be a great experience, and it's one that students should definitely seek out if they possibly can. What other time of your life can you spend a few months living in a foreign country on your own with little to worry about besides school? It's really a great opportunity, as it can both expand your horizons and hurry along your own personal development.

However, studying abroad also comes with its own unique set of trying circumstances. After all, when you study abroad you remove yourself from your friends and family for a long period of time; you have to navigate the often confusing customs and ways of living in another country; and you are on your own.

But this doesn't mean it can't be done! In fact, there are all sorts of resources out there that should help you as you prepare to survive on your own for a few months. Here are a few tips I could gather from these resources. Keep in mind that you'll also want to talk with an academic counselor at your school who could help you as well.

Don't be Lonely!

Yes, you might go abroad on your own, but that doesn't mean you have to be lonely during your semester away from home. One way to help you survive the few months of study abroad is to make friends. Many abroad programs will send groups of students over, so you can make friends with others in your programs. You should also try to make friends with locals, students in your classes or university, with whom you can interact. These two kinds of relationships can give your life abroad variety, and they can keep you from feeling too lonely.

Practice Self-Reflection

Of course, there will be times when you'll feel lonely. It's natural to feel lonely, out of sorts, and a little homesick when you go abroad. However, that doesn't reduce the pain! Instead of simply suffering that pain or trying to ignore it, you should try to reflect upon it. Keep a journal during your time abroad. Write a blog for your friends and family. Read a lot. This is a period of your life during which you'll really learn who you really are. Living on your own abroad forces you to resort to your own devices, which means you are building qualities that will help you be self-sufficient later in life. Yes, the growing process is a little painful, but it's worth it in the end.

See the Sights

As a student abroad, you will find yourself wondering what to do during holidays and breaks. Sure, you can fly home and visit with family, whom you know doubt want to see. But also, you should consider taking this opportunity to travel around the country in which you are staying. Often you can find cheap ways to travel: hostels, trains and buses, and backpacking. Yes, we all know that backpacking through Europe is a common cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. The image of the student abroad discovering the world for him or herself is important to our culture and our sense of camaraderie with other humans.

Of course, these are only a handful of things you can do to survive the long stay in a foreign country. Obviously, you should throw yourself into your studies, sample the local cuisines, build relationships with your professors, and take lots of pictures. Think of your time abroad as something of an adventure to be enjoyed, and you'll soon feel as though the time passed too quickly.

This guest post is contributed by Mariana Ashley, a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031 @gmail.com.

Education Abroad – 10 Tips to Survive in a Foreign Environment

Education of the highest quality is most often the key that unlocks many doors in life, and this is why many of us are willing to do whatever it takes to gain the best of this most valuable asset. We burn the candle at both ends, we burn the midnight oil, and we even cross the seven seas if it means we are admitted to the best universities abroad. 

However, the downside of studying in a strange country is that your emotional wellbeing or lack of it plays a significant part in determining how successful you are academically. It’s only when you’re able to overcome homesickness and loneliness in a foreign environment that you can not only survive, but thrive in a challenging and competitive academic setting. So if you’re headed abroad for higher education, here are a few tips to help you cope:

1. Plan ahead for your stay abroad – it could be for a year or two and you may not be able to come home before your studies are complete because of time and financial constraints, so prepare yourself emotionally for a prolonged separation from your friends and family. 

2. Research the country you’re going to, the place you will be living in, and the university that is going to be your home for the next year or more. The more you know about a place, the less foreign it is to you. Find out what the climate conditions are, what food is readily available, what modes of transportation are used, how the people react to foreigners, and if there are many folks from your country around. 

3. If you are not fluent in the language that is predominantly spoken in the country you’re going to, take a few classes before you leave so you don’t feel completely like a fish out of water. 

4. Ensure that you have the right kind of clothing to weather the local climate – it’s often cheaper to buy what you need in your home country. 

5. Make sure you have adequate funds to cover your education and your other expenses – you would need to pay your tuition fees upfront and keep aside an amount for your boarding and other expenses.

6. Check if your visa allows you to work abroad – most countries permit students to work part-time for a certain number of hours during semesters (or terms), and full-time during vacations. This could provide a source of additional income.

7. Reach out to students and others in the community who are from your country – this should help you get settled in without feeling too homesick. But also remember to make other friends too instead of limiting your circle to only people you’re comfortable with.

8. Don’t let your loneliness or working hours distract you from your lessons – you’re in a strange country mainly for your education, so focus all your attention on your grades and ensure that you keep your nose to the grindstone to remain in the competition. Set aside a few hours every day to revise your lessons and complete your assignments instead of leaving them till the last minute. 

9. Invest in low cost options to keep in touch with people back home – Skype and other video conferencing solutions over the Internet allow you to communicate effectively with your loved ones without eating into your bank balance. 

10. And finally, obey the laws and respect the customs of your temporary home – you don’t want to offend people or get on the wrong side of the law when you’re a student in a foreign country; the legal and long-term implications could ruin your life forever. 

This guest post is contributed by Paula Dierkins, who writes on the topic of Online PhD Degree. Paula can be reached at her email id: paula.dierkins[@]gmail[.]com

The Basics of Saving Money While Studying Abroad

Traveling is a luxury many of us cannot afford. Obviously, that’s what student loans are for, however much we may ache in repaying them in the days after graduation.

The following are tips to save money while traveling abroad so you have less to worry about later. Don’t worry; your experience abroad won’t be stunted by your savings.

Before you go

1. When you’re still in the planning stages of where you want to study abroad, look outside of Europe. Yes, Florence is the most beautiful city I’ve set eyes upon, but it was also expensive. Much of Europe is (especially the British Isles). Many areas of South and Central America, Africa, and Asia (excluding the likes of Tokyo, of course) offer incredible cultural experiences for less money.

2. Consider living off campus, as in an apartment or with a host family. With a host family, you can more deeply immerse yourself in the culture and more easily learn the language as well as save on the expenses of living in a dorm. Don’t rule out renting an apartment with another student, either, since rent for a flat may actually be cheaper than campus fees if you have a roommate. Compare and assess—the decision is ultimately yours.

3. Keep a sharp eye out for scholarships as well as jobs you can apply for on campus. Don’t stop looking even when you get to your study-abroad destination. Depending on how long you intend to stay in said country, see if you can get a part-time job at a local coffee shop or something similar. This will be notably easier if you speak the local language. Check out the country’s policies on work before you arrive.

4. Get a feel for the local currency. Will you lose money or make it in the exchange rate? Look into what the cost of living is like so you can estimate your budget. 

5. Consider purchasing an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It costs $22.00 but you’ll save money later by getting discounts sightseeing in popular cities, reduced rates at hotels and hostels, and even lower prices at certain restaurants. It’s recognized in over 100 countries.

While you’re there

1. One of the best ways to save money is to keep track of it. Make a weekly budget and stick to it; if you find this impossible, spend one week recording every single one of your expenses and rework your budget. 

2. Get to know the locals when you get there. Be courteous by at least stumbling through the local language before reverting to English, even if you know they understand it. It shows respect, a willingness to learn and appreciate foreign culture, and humility. You’ll get better answers out of them when you ask where the cheapest (and tastiest) restaurants are in town, where to go grocery shopping, what brands to get, and where to go for a new sweater. This includes talking to local shopkeepers especially if you’re a repeating customer. You might get lower prices on their goods or otherwise some manner of insider information. If none of those, you’ll at least make a friend.

3. If you have your own laptop or have access to a computer, use Skype instead of buying expensive phone cards to call home. You can call landlines for a fraction of the international price and video chat is free.

4. If you get to travel on your own while abroad, forget you ever saw the movie Hostel and stay in one. Generally speaking, they’re very safe, clean, cheap, and great spots to make friends with other international students and travelers. Check out Hostelworld (www.hostelworld.com), Hostelling International (http://www.hihostels.com/), and the like. You may even consider acquiring a Hostel International membership if you plan on traveling often.

Education and travel have always been costly, but both are worth having under your belt. Don’t let the high expense of studying abroad keep you from the wonders of plunging into an adventure you’ll never forget and friends you’ll keep in your heart forever.

This guest post is contributed by Maria Rainier. Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, where she's been performing gender wage gap research as related to the highest paying degrees. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.